“Never mind the rifles! Come back!” added Andy.
But instead of seeing the boy return, they heard a wild shriek, then the crack of a rifle, quickly followed by four others, fired to the accompaniment of fiendish roars.
“What is it?” shouted Phil.
But no answer did he receive.
“Quick! bind your reins around that sapling and give me the ends, then go see. Take my rifle. It’s slung across my back,” commanded Andy.
Trembling so at the thought of injury to his brother that he could hardly do what he was told, Phil finally managed to unsling the rifle and rushed toward the campfire, throwing the gun to his shoulder as he came within its light.
Just beyond the burning pile lay Ted, motionless, while scant fifteen feet from him a bear wallowed in his death throes.
CHAPTER XXIV
OUTFITTING
“Andy! Andy! Come quick!” shouted Phil, as he leaped across the campfire and ran to his brother. “Ted! Ted! Are you hurt? Speak to me!” he implored, dropping to his knees beside the quiet form.